Things to do around Boston this weekend and beyond - The Boston Globe (2024)

REDD KROSS For 45 years, this Los Angeles band — led by brothers Jeff and Steve McDonald — has been releasing slightly grungy, undeniably hooky power pop; their most recent self-titled album, which came out last month, is a summery, stompy delight thanks to songs like the shimmying “Simple Magic” and the appropriately titled “Candy Coated Catastrophe.” July 27, 7 p.m. Brighton Music Hall. 617-779-0140, crossroadspresents.com

TINARIWEN The long-running collective of guitarists and vocalists from northern Mali just released “Azawad,” a loping ode to their homeland that’s also a showcase for their players’ fusion of traditional Tuareg guitar and modern rock riffs. (They also play the Newport Folk Festival on Friday.) July 27, 7 p.m. Royale. 617-338-7699, royaleboston.com

FAYE WEBSTER “Underdressed at the Symphony,” the fifth album from this shape-shifting Atlanta singer-songwriter, is full of appealing left turns like the sleepy yet sly psych-folk cut “eBay Purchase History’ and the sumptuous collaboration with fellow genre-agnostic Georgian Lil Yachty “Lego Ring.” July 27, 7 p.m. The Stage at Suffolk Downs. stageatsuffolkdowns.com

MAURA JOHNSTON

Folk, World & Country

BIG SANDY AND HIS FLY-RITE BOYS Vintage country, rockabilly, hillbilly, rhythm and blues, western swing, doo-wop — Robert Williams, a.k.a. Big Sandy, along with his able crew the Fly-Rite Boys, has been spinning them all into his own distinctive brand of music for three-plus decades now and shows no signs of slowing down. Sadly, this is the final night of music at the Porch before it closes its doors, but at least the joint will go out rocking. July 26, 9 p.m. $20. The Porch Southern, 175 Rivers Edge Drive, Medford. 781-874-9357. www.theporchsouthern.com

LOWELL FOLK FESTIVAL This annual festival of folk music from America and beyond never fails to offer varieties you’ve probably heard before, and some you surely have not. Artists scheduled to appear this year range from the stone honky-tonk of Jesse Daniel, the family gospel affair of Annie & the Caldwell Singers, merengue music courtesy of Afro Dominico, and Travis-style picking from two-time National Thumb Picking Champion Eddie Pennington and his grandson, Caleb Coots. July 26, 6:15 p.m.; July 27, 28, noon. Free. Various stages, downtown Lowell; see website for details. 978-275-1764. www.lowellfolkfestival.org

ELIZA THORN This rising Nashville artist is about to release a debut album titled “Somebody New,” which, so her publicist avers, manifests such sonic influences as early Patsy Cline, Howlin’ Wolf, Hank Williams, and the Ronettes. That’s quite a list; head Rhode Island way on Sunday and you can see if it’s true. July 28, 7 p.m. No cover; tips appreciated. Galactic Theatre, 440 Main St., Warren, R.I. www.galactictheatre.com

STUART MUNRO

Jazz & Blues

WOMEN IN WORLD JAZZ Zumix Summer Concert series presents this international, all-women sextet performing music from around the globe, encompassing Cuba’s cha cha, Cape Verde’s Coladeira, and songs from Israel, Brazil, and Japan — all delivered with a healthy jolt of jazz. July 28, 6 p.m. Free. Piers Park, Marginal Street, East Boston. zumix.org

SHEMEKIA COPELAND In 2011, the award-winning singer was officially proclaimed “Queen of the Blues” by the City of Chicago and the Governor of Illinois. It’s a crown she was born to wear, as both daughter of the late Texas-born blues guitar legend Johnny Clyde Copeland and possessor of one of this century’s most powerful and poignant blues voices. July 31 and Aug. 1, 7 p.m. $65-$150. The Music Room, 541 Main St., West Yarmouth. musicroomcapecod.com

BRASS & RHYTHM The Mad Monkfish is proud to present a slide-stravaganza showcasing beaucoups trombones with tenor trombonists Josh Gagnon, Matt Veizey, Joey Dies, and bass trombonist David Paligora accompanied by pianist George MacLaurin, bassist Ben Friedland, and drummer Jeff Sagurton. ‘Bone appetit! Aug. 1, 7 p.m. $15. The Mad Monkfish, 524 Mass. Ave., Cambridge. themadmonkfish.com

KEVIN LOWENTHAL

Classical

TANGLEWOOD There’s hardly a quiet moment this weekend at Tanglewood, as the Boston Symphony Orchestra celebrates the legacy of the indomitable Serge Koussevitzky with three concerts honoring his compositions, commissions, and leadership (July 26-28) and the Tanglewood Music Center offers a full spread of new chamber and orchestral pieces at the annual Festival of Contemporary Music (July 26-29). Tanglewood, Lenox. 617-266-1200, www.bso.org

ASTON MAGNA The early music festival winds up its 51st season in the coming week; Saturday brings the second of two performances of “Sonata, What Do You Want from Me?,” a program directed by Julie Andrijeski in Great Barrington (July 27); next week an English Extravaganza directed by festival artistic director Daniel Stepner offers songs, sonatas, and catches by Henry Purcell and a mythological masque from composer John Eccles (Aug. 1, Newton; Aug. 4, Great Barrington). 413-528-3595, www.astonmagna.org

BOSTON FESTIVAL ORCHESTRA The final concert in Boston Festival Orchestra’s 2024 Summer Stage series begins with Qigang Chen’s “Er Huang,” featuring BFO pianist Ruoting Li as soloist, then brings the whole orchestra front and center for Rimsky-Korsakov’s epic “Scheherazade.” July 28, 3 p.m. NEC’s Jordan Hall. www.bforchestra.org

A.Z. MADONNA

ARTS

Theater

GATSBY This world premiere is a haunting production that finds a perfect match in the soaring, soulful music of Florence Welch (of Florence + the Machine) and Thomas Bartlett, a book by Martyna Majok (“The Cost of Living”), and choreography by Sonya Tayeh (“Moulin Rouge”). Under the seamless direction of Rachel Chavkin (“Hadestown”), this story moves with the unrelenting rhythms of the ocean currents that so fascinated Nick Carraway, the story’s narrator. All of the performers combine glorious voices with impeccable dance skills and detailed characterizations. But the real gift of this creative team is their ability to bring together a stunningly talented ensemble to breathe life, and even some unexpected insights, into these characters. Through Aug. 3. Presented by the American Repertory Theater, Loeb Drama Center. https://americanrepertorytheater.org/shows-events/gatsby/

THE COMEDY OF ERRORS An outdoor setting lends itself to the zany antics of William Shakespeare’s early farce, complete with not one but two sets of twins separated in a shipwreck, and fast-paced physical comedy framed by the Bard’s blank verse. Last summer’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” at Shakespeare & Company felt like a party as much as a play. Let’s see what director Kate Kohler Amory brings to the fun. Through Aug. 18. Arthur S. Waldstein Amphitheatre, Shakespeare & Company, Lenox. shakespeare.org

A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC Award-winner Kathleen Turner takes on Madame Armfeldt (“Liaisons”) while Boston native Nik Walker (“Hamilton”) plays Count Carl-Magnus in this Sondheim favorite. The story, based on the Ingmar Bergman film “Smiles of a Summer Night,” explores several couples who change partners, learning from their losses and embracing second chances. Through Aug. 17. Oguquit Playhouse, Ogunquit, Maine. www.ogunquitplayhouse.org/2024-a-little-night-music

MY DINNER WITH ANDRE The always-adventurous Harbor Stage offers the world premiere adaptation of the 1981 film, a dinner and conversation between the actor and playwright Wallace Shawn and theater director Andre Gregory. Harbor Stage cofounders Jonathan Fielding (Shawn) and Robert Kropf (Gregory) take on the theatrical icons for a conversation about the meaning and significance of theater, a topic the duo have certainly lived on their own terms. Through Aug. 3. Harbor Stage, Wellfleet. www.harborstage.org/my-dinner-with-andreacute.html

THE QUEEN OF VERSAILLES This world premiere, pre-Broadway production boasts an award-winning team, this time led by “Wicked” collaborators Kristin Chenoweth, who originated the role of Glinda, and composer Stephen Schwartz. Chenoweth stars as the title character opposite Oscar winner F. Murray Abraham as her husband. Based on Lauren Greenfield’s 2012 documentary, the musical explores what happens when a lavish lifestyle clashes with an economic downturn. Through Aug. 25. At the Emerson Colonial Theatre. emersoncolonialtheatre.com

TERRY BYRNE

Dance

FEET KEEP THE BEAT FESTIVAL For this second annual festival, the Center for the Arts at the Armory presents a full week of jams, sessions, workshops, and performances celebrating the remarkable multicultural diversity of percussive dance. Free events include a traditional Irish session July 29 and an intimate Flamenco Tablao, led by Yosi Karahashi and Antonio Tiriti Tran, on July 30. Center for the Arts at the Armory, Somerville. https://artsatthearmory.org/

CAMILLE A. BROWN & DANCERS The firebrand choreographer and her multitalented company return to Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival for the first time since 2017 bringing the world premiere of a brand new work, Brown’s “I AM.” Inspired by an episode of the HBO series “Lovecraft Country” as well as the rhythms of the movie “Drumline,” the work’s celebration of Black culture draws from movement and musical genres from the African Diaspora and includes live and original music by Deah Love Harriott, Juliette Jones, Jaylen Petinuad, and Martine Wade. July 31-Aug. 4. $65-$95. Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival, Becket. www.jacobspillow.org

ANNEX CONTEMPORARY DANCE COMPANY The York, Maine-based company presents an evening of new and repertory works by artistic director Julie Hebb, including the company’s newest addition, which is set to an electronic soundscape and explores themes of empathy and discord. The program also includes the premiere of a new work by choreographer and long-time company member Meghan McCoy Seedner. Her new contemporary ballet “Zephyr” reflects the transition of the seasons. July 26-27. $25. STAR Theatre, Kittery, Maine. www.thedanceannexstudio.com/annex-contemporary-dance.html

ORIGAMI NIGHT Presented by choreographer Graham Cole and Annas-Lee Design Group this new “choreopoem” is driven by the writing of Boston-based poet Pamela Annas. It features live movement performance by Portland-based dancer Elenaluisa Alvarez, spoken word, and sensory design in portraying the arc of one woman’s life, from working class Navy brat to radical feminist to mother. Recommended for 13+. July 25-Aug. 4. Pay-what-you-wish. Boston Center for the Arts Black Box Theatre. www.bostontheatrescene.com/shows-and-events/origami-night/

KAREN CAMPBELL

Visual art

HALLYU! THE KOREAN WAVE Last chance: It’s no secret that popular culture from South Korea has been exploding in recent years (if you haven’t heard of “Parasite,” “Squid Game,” or BTS, you may as well stop here). Exploring its rapid rise to global prominence is this exhibition, which combines art, fashion, music, drama, and technology to provide a closer look at a little country with expansively American-esque global cultural import. Through July 28. Museum of Fine Arts Boston, 465 Huntington Ave. 617-267-9300, www.mfa.org

WU TSANG: OF WHALES Worcester-born Tsang crafts film, video, and performance pieces, often at grand scale. This work, an immersive film experience, is one part of her trilogy that riffs on Herman Melville’s “Moby-Dick,” using the perspective of a sperm whale as it dives more deeply than any other mammal for up to an hour at a time in search of its prey. Made using the Unity gaming platform with XR (extended reality) technologies, it’s a deep dive, if you’ll pardon the pun, into life beneath the waves — and beyond. Through Aug 4. Institute of Contemporary Art/Boston, 25 Harbor Shore Drive. 617-478-3100, icaboston.org

NANCY ELIZABETH PROPHET: I WILL NOT BEND AN INCH Prophet, who was of Black and Native American descent, was among the first known women of color to graduate from the Rhode Island School of Design, in the early 20th century. She left the United States for Paris early in her career, as many Black American artists did, finding greater acceptance and freedom in its cosmopolitan, avant-garde environment than at home; but it also meant that she’s been largely overlooked in the US. This exhibition finally brings her home, exploring her legacy as a groundbreaking Modern sculptor. Through Aug. 4. RISD Museum, 20 North Main St., Providence. 401-454-6500, risdmuseum.org.

MURRAY WHYTE

PLUSH In psychological terms, a stuffed animal can be a “transitional object” — something a young child develops a deep connection to in order to ease separation anxiety from a parent. This group exhibition, which revolves around stuffies and all the emotional meaning they take on, examines the nature of attachment formation and the role their comfort and softness plays in our lives. Artists include Jeffrey Nowlin and Haley Wood. Through Sept. 14. Montserrat Gallery, Montserrat College of Art, 23 Essex St., Beverly. www.montserrat.edu/event/plush/

CATE McQUAID

EVENTS

Comedy

CAROLYN CASTIGLIA: CHUCK Castiglia knows that her one-person show, which she is getting ready to bring to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, can get heavy, delving into personal trauma, gun violence, and murder, which is why you will see her cut to a joyous dance break when things get too dark. See this raw, intense, but at turns whimsical performance before it hits big overseas. July 26, 8 p.m. $17.25. The Rozzie Square Theater, 5 Basile St., Roslindale. 617-318-6376, www.rozziesquaretheater.com

TOM DUSTIN The way Dustin puts it, he quit the real world in 2019 and moved from Boston to Key West, Fla., opening up his own club there the following year. He returns to town for one show with a new documentary in the works, “Tom Dustin: Portrait of a Comedian,” from producer-director and fellow Boston comedian Joe List. Dave Russo hosts, with Dan Boulger, Alvin David, and Steven Crane. July 26, 8 p.m. $20. Pearl Street Station, 53 Sumer St., Malden. www.eventbrite.com

ANDREW VICKERS A very slender gentleman, Boston comic Vickers says he gets no sympathy from his jealous friends when he says he wants to put on some weight. “I’m not bragging at you,” he says. “I’m just saying, as an adult man, I don’t want to look like at any moment I’m about to say, ‘Master has given Dobby clothes!’” July 26-27, 8 p.m. $22. Nick’s Comedy Stop, 100 Warrenton St. www.nickscomedystop.com

NICK A. ZAINO III

Family

JAZZ FESTIVAL The two-day festival features Grammy winning jazz performances, a selection of vendors, and a special children’s area. Bring a lawn chair and a hat for some shade. July 27 and 28, noon. $5 for reserved seating. Danny Park, 99 Sherman St. cambridgejazzfoundation.org

BOARD GAME NIGHT Head over to the Parker Hill Branch of the Boston Public Library for an all-ages game night. Peruse options which include Boggle, Checkers, and Battleship. July 29, 3 p.m. Free admission. Parker Hill Branch of the Boston Public Library, 1497 Tremont St. thebostoncalendar.com

MISTER VIC CONCERT NIGHT Bring a picnic hamper and the family to this outdoor show, at which children’s musician and entertainer Mister Vic will perform for all ages. July 31, 6 p.m. Free admission. Nara Park, 71 Quarry Road. eventbrite.com

ARUSHI JACOB